I would like to start by saying that I've seen a neurologist at this point, and have thus far been diagnosed as having an Essential Tremor. The neurologist sent me for further testing, including an MRI. I am including a section with all the tests and results I can recall, as there have been numerous tests done on me by both the neurologist and my general physician.

Most of my medical issues, whether related to the tremor or not (can't be sure what's related at this point), started when I was 18. I am currently 24 (25 in a couple months), and I am a female. I am 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weigh 98.8lbs. Yes, I am aware this is way too thin. This is part of my ongoing dilemma.

I tend to lean more toward rambling, so I'll just lay everything out in sections. Symptoms/medical issues, Tests Run and the Results, Medications I'm currently on and any I've been on for any period of time, and Family History (abbreviated- BIG family, I'll include only major conditions/illnesses.)...

Symptoms/Issues:
Essential Tremor (this involves an increasingly obvious non-resting tremor, mostly in the hands)
Occasional head nod, on “bad days” with the tremor
Slurring of the speech
Mental “fog”/general inability to keep a train of thought
Lack of emotion (used to be quite the crier, now even deaths in the family can barely emote an emotion)
Tendency to drop items
Issues with depth-perception
Muscle control issues, first noticed my hand would turn awkwardly when trying to move change from one hand to the other while working a cash register
Heavy/bruised feeling in legs after standing all day at work
Complete inability to gain weight
Lack of any real hormonal development (most women in both sides of family are larger chested/well developed)
Complete loss of tooth enamel, causing complete breakdown of all teeth
Restless legs/feeling like I need to constantly stretch the muscles in my legs
Severe post-nasal drip
Allergies to pollen and some perfumes, severe
Acne increase, was fairly acne free as a teen, this onset in early twenties
Problems focusing my vision/sometimes need to tilt my head to see clearly, even with my contacts in (valid and up to date scrip)
Feeling spacey/out of it
Trouble finding words (Used to be fairly well spoken/outgoing)
Introverted
Suffered two miscarriages, one at 18 (6 weeks 4 days along), another 5 years (to the day) later. Not sure how far along I might've been, wasn't aware I was pregnant until I saw a bit of placenta mixed with the blood. I was not on any BC with the first pregnancy, was on the pill with the second.
RH Negative
Irregular periods, none at all on Depo shot
Headaches chronically, since childhood
Memory issues
Ovarian cysts
Joint pain
Issues with loose tendons/hips lock up painfully, had loose tendon issue in shoulder and elbow that put me in physical therapy
Mild scoliosis, sudden onset last year (2012). Woke up one day to notice my hips were suddenly lopsided, went to GP, was told I had a mild S curve to my back, mild scoliosis.
Stiff neck, almost constantly
Nausea


Tests/Results:
MRI of Brain and Abdomen/Ovaries: Found ovarian cysts on left ovary, large but benign. MRI of brain completely normal
Hormones: Normal
Thyroids: Normal
Magnesium Levels: Normal
Lyme: Negative
EKG: Normal
Chest X-Ray: Normal
NOT Anemic
Slightly elevated LDL: 147
Liver & Kidneys: Normal levels in blood test
ANA: Fine. Lupus runs heavily on my mother's side, so I am tested fairly often for this.

Meds:
Depo
Pretty regularly on some form of antibiotics (for multiple tooth infections)
Excedrin Extra Strength (Daily)
Multi-Vitamins
Nortriptylene (20mgs/day)
Was on a drug called Reglan several years ago, near the time the tremors started, for a severe migraine episode. Lasted a couple months, never had further care/more scrips for this, as I only received medical care through the ER (no insurance)

There's a family history of Parkinson's, but that's been ruled out. Family history of Lupus, but I don't have that as of yet.

I was in a nearly five year relationship, during which I was on zero birth control. I had miscarried from a previous relationship within a couple months prior to this, yet the entire time we were together and active, I never got pregnant. Within months of us breaking up and me moving far away, I put myself on the pill and in December (we split in July) of that same year, I miscarried again (was dating my current boyfriend, who I am still with) while on the pill. This may not be related to the neuro issue, but I find it odd that in the 4 ˝ years I was with the ex, who I know could get people pregnant (dirtbag! Lol), I never got pregnant despite never being on BC, and then literally right after I became sexually active in a new relationship, while ON BC, I get pregnant.

Very odd, but such is the mysterious inner workings of my crazy body.

I just figured I'd lay all of my symptoms out there, related or unrelated, from the time this tremor first made it's appearance, and see if anyone can put the pieces together.

The tremors and their accompanying issues, have gotten progressively worse since the end of 2011. I have what I call “bad days,” where they give me a head nod, not just the shaking hands, and the hand tremors get to the point where I will literally shake my cell phone out of my hand if I am stupid enough to try texting one-handed.

I rip zippers off baggies unintentionally, my handwriting is HUGE and twitchy... It's like my hands get away from me constantly. People look at me like I'm nuts, which I probably am at this point, because I'll sit there at work (I work in a Deli while completing my degree online), trying to put on the stupid plastic gloves, and will tell my hands under my breath, “Come on, stupid hands, you can do it!”

Anxiety/stress makes my whole body shake, but it's done that before the tremor condition began. Since I was a kid, when I was mad, scared or anxious my face would turn beet red, my heart would pound and I'd shake.

The tremors are much, much different.

Any and all help will be much obliged. Ask any questions, as well. Thank you!

Bless your heart. I can't imagine what you're going thru. I know when I'm extremely anxious, I shake but I know that's not what you're talking about.

Have your doctors tried Inderal? It's also known as Propranolol. It's often used for Essential Tremors and is very effective! I was just wondering if they'd had you on this or not. If not, ask your doctor about it -- perhaps it would work well for you!!!

I wish you the very best. Let us know how things turn out. I wish I had more advice for you, but unfortunately I don't. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

Thanks and and no, haven't discussed medications yet. I've heard a lot of the tremor meds have some pretty harsh side effects, have you had any bad experiences with any or the tremor medications? Also, I stumbled upon an article about mercury poisoning. Might be a long shot but I'm going to speak with my neurologsit about potentially testing for that. Who knows?

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I'd like to suggest you get tested for B12 levels. And don't accept "normal" from the doctor, as lab ranges are out of date and very low. People can have significant neurological symptoms (and not show anemia) at low levels of 200 today. The new low protocol is now 400pg/ml.

Here is a video explaining showing people who fell thru the medical cracks and suffered greatly...each with different impairments:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEiz...ature=youtu.be

This is my B12 information thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

It explains with medical links, how to supplement successfully orally once you have your test results in numbers in hand.
Why using methylcobalamin is best and how to take it properly so it will be absorbed and work.

Some low B12 issues are inherited. Either damaged or poorly functioning intrinsic factor or errors in methylation called MTHFR polymorphisms. The latter fail to methylate (activate) folic acid and cobalamin from vitamins and food.
The video does not go into these details, and only mentions this briefly.

New statistics suggest up to 40% of Americans can be low in B12. That is a pretty horrifying number!

Thank you I will absolutely mention B12 levels/request them to be checked at my next appt. I try to bulk together a few tests in one appointment- less poking with needles, hehe.

Lately I've pretty much just been throwing random levels tests at the doc, sort of troubleshooting my way through this, as I am in a pinch and can't afford the ridiculous copay to see the neurologist. In due time!

I'm seriously banking on this mercury thing, though, it fits! But I think I tend to just try to make anything curable fit, because I really can't stand the thought of all the bologna I'm going through being permanent, let alone to continue to deteriorate at this speed.

Thank you again, for taking the time to read this and to respond!